The image features upper wall painted in Resene Ashanti, lower wall in Resene Undercover, mouldings in Resene Hermitage, round vase and trims in Resene Sea Fog. Sofa from Maytime, artwork by Helen Dean.
When it comes to interior design, colour plays a vital role in creating your desired ambiance and influencing your emotions. Understanding the psychology behind colours allows you to make informed decisions when decorating your home, and harness their power effectively, ultimately creating a space that you love and feel happy in.
We’ve got some tips when it comes to colour psychology, using Resene’s serene greens, calming blues, vibrant pinks and sunny yellows!
Earthy greens for balance
Green, often associated with nature, evokes feelings of renewal, growth and balance. Nature has a profound impact on our emotions, and bringing natural elements indoors through paint is a transformative experience. The versatile shade of green can be used in many rooms of your home, from bedrooms to living spaces. You’ll find that lighter shades of green, such as the mint or sage tones in Resene Pale Leaf and Resene Rainee, create a refreshing and calming atmosphere, making them perfect for spaces where relaxation is key. On the other hand, deeper shades of forest green or emerald, like Resene Goblin and Resene Green Pea, can add a touch of complexity and grace.
Serene blues for tranquility
Imagine stepping into a room enveloped in soft shades of blue. Renowned for its soothing and calming properties, blue is also known to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of tranquility, making it a great colour to come home to after a busy day. Light sky or powder blues, like Resene Comfort Zone and Resene Oxygen, create an airy and serene environment, ideal for bedrooms or meditation spaces. Deeper blues, navy or royal, like Resene True Blue and Resene Cobalt, exude a sense of sophistication and elegance, making them well-suited for dining rooms or home offices. Blue is a versatile colour that effortlessly combines with various design styles such as coastal and Hamptons, as well as both modern and traditional.
Cosy neutrals for comfort
Whites and neutrals offer a world of design possibilities, which is why they are often so popular. White is associated with purity and clarity, creating a sense of openness and simplicity. Not only are these hues great for feeling fresh and focussed, they are also great for smaller spaces or where there is not much natural light. With thousands, yes thousands, of whites available, you can choose one that will evoke the right feeling for you. Opt for cool whites with black undertones like Resene Black White and Resene Alabaster for a crisp space, and warm whites with red or yellow undertones, like Resene Double Thorndon Cream, Resene Truffle and Resene Half Silver Chalice for a cosy, relaxed and more traditional home feel.
Energetic reds for passion
The emotional connection with red is visceral – it stimulates and excites. Infusing this passion into a space can be as bold as painting an accent wall in a vibrant or deep red. Picture a living room with a statement red wall, serving as a powerful focal point or a velvety red wall behind a bed to exude comfort and romance. If committing to an entire wall feels too daring, consider red accessories or furniture pieces in shades like Resene Shiraz, Resene Smashing and Resene Hot Chile for an energetic pop without being too overwhelming.
Sunny yellows for optimism
Yellow has the remarkable ability to evoke feelings of warmth and positiveness in our lives. Painting your kitchen or dining space in cheerful yellows like Resene Golden Glow and Resene Bardot is like capturing the essence of sunshine indoors. Opt for a soft buttery yellow, but if a full wall feels too bold, introduce yellow through painted cabinets, accessories, or an accent wall. Yellows also work well with deep black shades like Resene Nero and Resene All Black.
Playful pinks for whimsy
Embrace a touch of fantasy and beauty. Pink paint can add a playful and whimsical touch to various spaces in your home. Imagine a home office with a blush pink accent wall – it instantly elevates the sophistication. The right pink paint can transform a room into a chic and whimsical haven. Try pastel pinks like Resene Ballerina and Resene Pink Lace, paired with a crisp white or black like Resene Black White or Resene Charcoal.
Regal purples for luxury
When aiming for a touch of luxury, delve into the world of regal purples through paint. Shades like Resene Paua and Resene Seance can create an opulent and grandeur ambiance, while gentle lilac and lavender shades, like Resene Fog and Resene Perfume, bring a softer, more romantic touch. Pair these hues with metallic gold or silver accents to enhance the sense of glamour, or with classic whites to create a serene and playful touch.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, sophistication or a burst of energy, the right colour choices can transform your space into a haven that reflects your desired atmosphere and enhances your wellbeing.
